by Abby Brady
Aquatics Coordinator

Every May, MIT Recreation’s Aquatics team joins organizations across the country in recognizing National Water Safety Month. This month-long initiative brings extra attention to the importance of staying safe in and around the water while also helping to educate swimmers of all ages and experience levels.

National Water Safety Month is also a reminder that drowning prevention starts with education and awareness. Simple actions such as swimming with a buddy, paying attention to posted signage, supervising children closely, and knowing your own swimming abilities can make a big difference between a safe situation and an unsafe one.

So, what goes into water safety? More than just simply knowing how to swim, it also includes understanding pool rules, recognizing emergency situations and how to act during them, learning basic rescue skills, and most importantly building confidence in aquatic environments. Whether you are an experienced swimmer, just beginning swim lessons, or simply enjoying recreational time in the pool, practicing safe habits helps create a safer environment for everyone.

At MIT, our pools support a wide range of users including recreational swimmers, varsity athletes, lessons, research activities, and community events. With so many people utilizing our facilities each day, maintaining a culture of safety is a shared responsibility between staff and patrons alike.

Each year, MIT Recreation celebrates National Water Safety Month by hosting our annual Water Safety Day a fun and educational event dedicated to promoting safe practices in and around the water. This year’s event took place on May 16 and featured a variety of interactive activities both in and out of the pool designed to teach participants important water safety skills in an engaging way.

This year, Water Safety Day looked a little different as our swim instructors took the lead in running interactive stations throughout the pool area. Each station focused on different aspects of water safety, extending beyond just pool safety to include skills and awareness that can be applied in a variety of aquatic environments. Participants had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of hands-on activities, and aquatic games that encouraged learning in a fun and engaging way while reinforcing the importance of water safety for all ages.

“Water Safety Day remains one of my favorite events here at MIT. It was my first program that I planned when I was part-time in college, and it’s since become a cherished yearly tradition,” Assistant Director of Aquatic Programs Morgan Anderson-Gels said. “This year, I had the amazing support of instructors Ari, Ailsa, Sara, and Benny, who helped us reimagine the experience with new stations and activities. From an original Water Safety Play and a boat-building station with lifejacket demonstrations to a pool science lab where kids tested water quality, a Red Cross Whales Tale water safety activity table, and mermaid and pirate makeovers, there was something for every young swimmer. Working with such enthusiastic kids on a beautiful day while watching them gain real confidence in water safety was so fun. I can’t wait for next year’s event,” she added.

As part of our continued commitment to creating accessible and inclusive aquatic opportunities, the Aquatics Department will also be hosting a Sensory Swim on June 14. Sensory Swim is designed to provide a low-stimulation and supportive aquatic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, disabilities, and families looking for a more relaxed pool experience. With reduced noise levels, limited attendance, and a welcoming atmosphere, the program helps make water recreation more comfortable and accessible for all participants while continuing to promote confidence and safety in the water.

This May, we encourage everyone to “swim into water safety” by taking time to refresh their aquatic knowledge, practice safe habits, and appreciate the professionals who help make aquatic spaces enjoyable and secure for all.